Police believe a serious assault in Featherston and an arson attack in Gladstone are linked.
Wairarapa Detective Senior Sergeant Philip Skoglund issued a public appeal for information yesterday in the wake of the early morning incidents in the region.
Skoglund said police were investigating an assault on Fitzherbert St in Featherston that left a man with serious injuries. Wellington Free Ambulance confirmed one patient was transported to Masterton Hospital.
Skoglund said a member of the public found the injured man on their driveway at about 3am on Wednesday.
“The victim’s vehicle, a blue Toyota Caldina station wagon, was found burnt out at a reserve in Gladstone about the same time.”
Skoglund said police were working to establish what happened and identify the person or people responsible.
“We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area and saw suspicious activity at the time.”
Police and Fenz responded to reports of an arson and ‘mobile property fire’ in Gladstone shortly after 3am yesterday. Carterton Volunteer Fire Brigade said a reportedly stolen vehicle that was “totally destroyed” in a fire was being treated as suspicious.
Chief fire officer Bryan Styles confirmed no one was with the vehicle, and there were no injuries.
Featherston businesses contacted by the Times-Age yesterday morning were unaware of the assault on the main street and said they were yet to be contacted by the police.
A police spokesperson could not comment on whether the incident was gang-related and said police will be continuing to make inquiries in the area.
Anyone with information about either incident can contact police on 105 and quote file number 230215/5357.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
